Review: Simply From Scratch by Alicia Bessette

Title: Simply From Scratch
Author: Alicia Bessette
Genre: Contemporary fiction, women's fiction, adult
Published: 2010
Source: Crazy Book Tours

Dare I say this is book perfection? Simply From Scratch is a flawless debut. I never wanted it to end, and nothing was going to stop me from reading it, not even obnoxious yelling football freaks in my living room who would normally distract (read: bother) me immensely. I sat beside them and read away, completely disconnecting from the world around me and falling in love with the incredible cast of characters.

Zell is a young widow. Her husband, Nick, died on a mission trip to New Orleans to help rebuild after the hurricane, and Zell has been lonely, miserable, and depressed for over a year now. Her Greyhound, Ahab, is the only thing that brings her any happiness. She avoids the kitchen, the attic, and fixing the car because they all remind her of Nick. One day, though, fate steps in, and she reads about Polly Pinch's Desserts That Warm the Soul contest, where the winner receives a chance to appear on the Polly Pinch show, Pinch of Love Live, and $20,000 - the exact amount Nick wanted to raise for the people of New Orleans. She decides she must enter, despite her lack of culinary skills (cooking was Nick's job), and win the prize money for Nick and New Orleans. Baking alongside her is her spunky nine year old neighbor, Ingrid, whose in mostly high spirits, despite growing up without her mom, whom she believes is the TV personality and cook extraordinaire, Polly Pinch. Together, they concoct tons of recipes, with Ingrid desperate to meet Polly Pinch, and Zell desperate to win the prize money to donate. Along the way, we encounter a number of people who are enmeshed in Zell's life, and are trying to help her cope with her tragic loss. Friends, family, and most of all, Ingrid, help Zell rediscover life and live again.

So, let's start with Zell. I loved her. Her heartbreak was palpable through the pages. Without Nick, she's turned into an empty shell just floating through life. Once in a while, though, her spark shines through, like when she speaks in "pirate" to Ahab. I felt her tremendous sense of loss and desperation. I wanted her hurt to go away. I felt like I knew her.

Also, Ingrid. Oh my goodness, Ingrid. Could I adore her any more? I really don't think so. What an incredible little character she was, and SO full of life. She says things like, "wicked cool," and refers to Zell as "woman" quite frequently. She's a little spitfire, full of determination and love.

The other characters were amazing too, but I really loved Zell and Ingrid. This story was SO great. It was sad, beautiful, and full of hope. It had my emotions running in high gear, and I STRONGLY recommend it. This was my first read of 2011, and I can already say it'll be one of my favorites of the year. I am nothing less than smitten with it.

My Rating: 5/5